Review of Love the Coopers (2015) by Erick R — 18 Nov 2015

Love the Coopers just might be the surprise gift of the holiday season. So few stories on the big screen have heart these days, but immediately upon the opening of this film I knew I was in for a special treat.  This unorthodox movie is so genuine and full of heart.  It left me literally shaking my head in utter disbelief, but in a great way! .

I have to admit, I was initially skeptical to see this movie.  The preview did nothing for me really.  Thinking back on that preview now, I'm surprised that such a great piece of art had such a poor teaser.  Usually previews are better than the movie itself, but not in this case.  On top of that, the reviews and scores that movie critics and fans were giving this film online were not promising.  So going into the theater I had low expectations.  Perhaps thatâ??s why I was so surprised and found such delight in this truly human story.

Remember back to the shared experience in the last scene of Love Actually.  Now imagine a movie that captures the emotional punch of that moment throughout the entire film.  Thatâ??s what the filmmakers of this unique motion picture have accomplished.  And unique is the key word there.  Too many movies today seem to be made with a cookie cutter approach â?? identical to the next.  But Love the Coopers shatters that mold with nearly every aspect of the filmmaking process, and that is very refreshing.

The novel style delivery of this story was truly inspired and story book, which was the perfect choice since itâ??s a Christmas story.  And I couldnâ??t help but think that the majority of this film was written by simply watching people.  The writer has a keen sense of moments, and developing what all characters are thinking in each scene, much like a novel.

From the first scene to the last, the imagery is a stunning portrait of Americana.  Some of the most beautiful images I have seen on the big screen in quite some time.  The cinematography went beyond just pretty shots, though.  The filmmakers consistently surprised you with new and unique ways to compliment the script with very stylized shooting techniques.  Both combined to create iconic human moments so precise and personal that it touches your soul, as if it was pulled directly from your subconscious.  This film is such a masterpiece visually, that one could turn off the sound and still understand the story.

The writing and imagery were one, but I think the most important character of the film was by far the editing.  I have never seen an ensemble cast film with interweaving plot lines edited so seamlessly.  And the editor created some incredible moments throughout the story that dramatically changed the emotion of scenes.  You will laugh with tears in your eyes as you watch this film.  I just wanted to stay in my seat and watch it again!